Winifred ‘Winnie’ DeGennaro
July 12, 1936 – March 24, 2026
DeGennaro
Winifred “Winnie” DeGennaro, 89, of Altoona, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, surrounded by her family, at the Danville Geisinger Medical Center. Winifred was born in Gallitzin to the late Louise (Krupko) and Clair Conrad.
In addition to her parents, Winnie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gustine DeGennaro Jr.; a daughter, Theresa Hollingshead; her son-in-law, Paul Dixon; her siblings: Junior, Barbara and Margie; and brothers-in-law, Harry and Dan.
Winnie is survived by her loving children: Patty Dixon of Altoona, Rick and Jeff (Nikki) DeGennaro, both of Altoona, and Alan (Tiffany) DeGennaro of Pittsburgh; a son-in-law, Jeff Hollingshead of Altoona; her grandchildren: Brittney (Sean) Graziosi, Matthew (Julie), Michael, Kyla (Kaitlin) Hollingshead, McKenna (Julian) Howsare, Marina (Luke) Adams, Paige, Taylor, Alex and Julian DeGennaro; her two great-grandchildren, Norah Hollingshead and Andre De La Torre; and her sisters, Darlene (Jerry) Mills of Portage and Diane (John) Zerbee of Gallitzin.
Winnie graduated from Greater Gallitzin Joint High School and went to work shortly after for the Puritan Factory. In 1969, she opened a mom-and-pop store within the family business. Winnie worked 40 hours a week at this family business, managing all of the bookkeeping and accounting, not only for herself but also for DeGennaro’s Used Cars and Service Station and rental properties, all while raising her family of five kids. Winnie continued this work throughout her life since she originally started the business. During a time where women stayed at home to raise children, Winnie defied the odds by succeeding with her amazing mind and work ethic.
Winnie loved her kids and grandkids. She was Catholic by faith and a member at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. The three most important things to her were being a mother, a wife and her faith, and she kept those values strong throughout her life.
Winnie enjoyed going to the casino and loved watching football of any league, whether that was college, the NFL or even the CFL.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Santella Funeral Home, with a prayer Vigil taking place at 3 p.m. with Father Nelson.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 416 Sixth Ave., Altoona. Interment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be donated in Winnie’s name to St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 416 Sixth Ave., Altoona, PA., 16602.
santellafuneralhome.com